Elementary Education Watershed Field Trip

Positives

• This guide includes background information for students, a field trip plan, recommendations for water tests, instructions for running the tests, and data collection sheets.
• Students will learn how the health of the watershed corresponds with the overall health of the ecosystem.
• The packet includes a glossary.

Additional Prerequisites

• This packet works with the GREEN Standard Water Monitoring Kit, which can be purchased online.
• Teachers can purchase the materials and tests for the investigation from other retailers. Aquarium stores are good places to find materials for water testing (dissolved oxygen, pH, etc.).
• Teachers should explain the safety procedures to students before going into the field to gather samples. 
• Students should cover exposed skin while they collect samples and run the tests.
• This version of the water monitoring activity is designed specifically for elementary-age students, but it can be used with students in middle and high school as well. Older students can also use this version of the activity.

Differentiation

• Teachers could bring water samples into the classroom for students to observe.
• Social studies classes could find out if local laws prevent the use of certain chemicals or fertilizers and then determine if the substances appear in the water samples.
• Other resources on this topic include this Hot Mess video on the water cycle and pollution and this interactive resource on urban water supplies.